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Fort Myers, FL, United States (AHN) – Norman Love Confections knows the secret to sweet success.

The Florida-based chocolatier has been named the best chocolate in the United States, for the sixth time, by Consumer Reports in its February issue–just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Norman Love makes about 30,000 chocolates by hand every day at its Fort Myers facility. In awarding the company top honors, the magazine cited “the combination and the blending of the chocolate with the fillings.”

The chocolate shop is expanding with fresh gelato and bakery selections. The company also plans to take full advantage of its location, which is very close to the Red Sox spring training stadium.

Even better, Love plans to open more retail locations in the future.

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London, United Kingdom (AHN) – Prince William and wife Kate Middleton, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after their marriage last week, will tour Canada and California in July.

The royal couple’s spokesman, Clarence House, announced the visits through Twitter.

The first official overseas trip of the couple will be in Canada from June 30 to July 8. They will participate in the celebration of Canada Day on July 1 in the capital Ottawa and will visit Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.

It will be the Prince’s second visit to Canada. At 15, he toured Vancouver with his father, Prince Charles, and his brother, Prince Harry.

After the Canada trip, the couple will proceed to California for a three-day tour. The itinerary is not yet available.

View full post on Lifestyle And Leisure Stories

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Note: Some of the restaurants listed have changed ownership and a few may have closed. However, the atmosphere and ambiance, the food and the friendliness remains at most of the eateries…. More >>

Main Street Diners: Where Hoosiers Begin the Day

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN Entertainment) – Broadway Across America has announced the musicals heading straight from Broadway to the stage at Ft. Lauderdale’s Broward Center for the Performing Arts for 2011-2012. Among them are the South Florida debuts of recent Tony Award-winners “Billy Elliot” and “La Cage Aux Folles.”

Kicking off the season is “Rain – A Tribute to the Beatles,” which made its Broadway debut last fall. It features “Ed Sullivan Show”-like performances of Beatles classics such as “Hard Day’s Night” and “With a Little Help From My Friends.” The show launches Oct. 4 and runs through the 16th.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” featuring the beloved, award-winning music of the classic Disney film, makes its return to the area Nov. 15 through 27, while another audience favorite, “Jersey Boys,” starts the new year off just right with performances from Jan. 11-29.

“Billy Elliot the Musical,” 2009′s Tony Award winner for Best Musical, makes its South Florida premiere next year. Featuring music from Elton John, the story of the boy who would rather do ballet than get in the boxing ring dances its way onto the stage (and most likely into your heart) Feb. 29 through March 11.

A sweeping new production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein’s romance classic “South Pacific” hits the stage April 10-22, 2012. “La Cage Aux Folles,” which won 2010′s Best Revival of a Musical Tony Award, brings its exciting new production to Ft. Lauderdale June 12-24, 2012.

Season tickets for the 2011-2012 season of Broadway Across America – Ft. Lauderdale are currently on sale. Tickets for individual shows will begin their own sales soon at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

View full post on Lifestyle And Leisure Stories

Nashville, TN, United States (AHN) – The party continues in Nashville where the Gaylord Opryland Resort has returned after months of repair and renovation. Celebrations lasting all weekend continue as the Music City welcomes the grand reopening of one of its signature destinations.

Gaylord has been working non-stop to reopen the resort, which was only closed for an astonishing 195 days. Using an overwhelmingly local workforce (95% of subcontractors came from the Volunteer State), an average of 500 to 800 people were working each day to install a total of 21,400 sheets of drywall, 2,200 doors, and around 45,000 sq. ft. of tile, marble, granite and decorative glass.

“It’s still difficult to describe the emotions I felt at sunrise on May 3rd, when the first light revealed the water completely surrounding and breaching this magnificent hotel,” Gaylord Entertainment CEO Colin Reed explained during the grand reopening ceremony. “But despite the devastation we witnessed, I never had any doubt that our company, with the support of our [employees] and our community, would prove ourselves to be equal to this challenge.”

“The road to recovery certainly hasn’t been an easy one, but we’re proud to be here today celebrating what is not only a special day for the Gaylord brand, but also the city of Nashville,” Reed added.

Grammy Award-winning Country music star Keith Urban kicked off an emotional grand reopening ceremony on Friday night. Urban, who lives in Nashville with his wife, actress Nicole Kidman, played an emotional set for invited guests, many of which worked for companies involved in the reconstruction. Even Guy Fieri got emotional during his lunch and cooking demonstration on Saturday. Fieri, host of the Food Network’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,’ admitted that he endured a red-eye flight from California in order to be a part of what he called the “historic” return of the Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Saturday night, Grammy Award-winning Country music star Sheryl Crow performed several of her hit songs during an exclusive concert. Crow, who lives on an 154-acre ranch near Nashville, only lost a small bridge in the May flood – but says the list of those who lost everything is endless. But just like thousands of other tourists, Crow is one of the stars glad to see the hotel’s return. While Crow was entertaining fans in a packed ballroom, her two adopted sons Wyatt Steven and Levi James toured the resort’s ‘ICE!’ attraction after spending a day at the Nashville Zoo.

‘ICE!’ is just one of the attractions the Gaylord Opryland has been reintroducing to the public. Gaylord spent millions to renovate much of the resort, including revamping guest rooms and putting in new restaurants. Guests during the grand reopening weekend filled the new Conservatory Bar, which sits between two new restaurants; the Italian-themed Ravello and the Mexican-themed Solario. Ravello’s menu Twin-sister bartenders (and Nashville-natives) Dana and Tara say the Conservatory Bar’s newly mixed “Lemoncello Collins” has been as popular with guests as it is strong.

The rebirth of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel comes pointedly at the start of the holiday/Christmas season. The hotel pushed hard to reopen in time to continue their annual ‘Country Christmas’ attraction. Each year, the Gaylord Opryland hangs over 2 million lights across the resort, lighting up 461 trees, 500 shrubs and hanging 15 miles of green garland and 10 miles of red ribbons. There’s a 40 ft. indoor Christmas tree and a 141-foot-tall ‘Southern Lights’ outdoor tree with more than 38,000 lights.

‘The Radio City Christmas Spectacular’ with the Rockettes is also making its return to the restored Grand Ole Opry House. The show brings Santa Claus and a cast and crew of more than 100 members, including the high-kicking Rockettes and live animals for the ‘Living Nativity.’ After the show, families have been lining up to walk-through ‘ICE!’ which pays tribute to the film ‘Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town’ as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. The attraction boasts 2 million lbs of hand-carved ice and is kept at a bone-chilling 9 degrees. Guests walk-through scenes from the movie and can enjoy a slide made entirely of ice.

Beyond fun and games, the Opryland Resort and Convention Center and the Grand Old Opry is one of Nashville’s economic cornerstones. Each year millions of locals, visitors and conventioneers visit the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which is the largest non-casino hotel in the United States. The Gaylord Opryland is also a major part of Nashville’s transition from a historic Country music town to an international convention destination that can handle serious business.

This week, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean announced that after fierce competition, the National Rifle Association (NRA) decided to bring its 144th annual convention to the Music City. The three-day convention will bring an estimated 50,000 guests and $25 million to Nashville.

“We’re coming out of a difficult economy and the flood and now there’s pent-up demand for the hospitality industry,” Loews Vanderbilt Hotel General Manager Tom Negri told the Tennessean newspaper. “Having that large of a group means so much for the city. And association business like this tends to follow one another.”

View full post on Lifestyle And Leisure Stories

This article is primarily directed toward people who own, or are considering getting into the restaurant business. I myself used to own a restaurant several years ago. It is tough work I know, but it can be very lucrative if you work hard, make wise decisions and with a little luck.

So often, we get so caught up in the day to day struggle that we forget to step back and take a look at the big picture. Think for a moment of what you could do if you had an extra 10, 20 or 50 thousand dollars to invest into your business. What would you do with the money? I don’t know about you, but I can think of many things that I would use the money for;

• Remodel the dining room
• Remodel the kitchen
• Expand the seating area
• Purchase new equipment
• Spend money on advertising
• Buy out a business partner
• Open a new location

These are just a few ideas. I am sure that you can come up with a few of your own ideas.

I tried to get a loan but I got turned down because of bad credit

You are not alone. Believe me; this economy has wreaked havoc on many business owners credit. To make matters worse; the banks are barely loaning money to anyone, regardless of their credit history. If you credit has taken a few hit over the past few months; you can pretty much kiss the idea of getting a business loan goodbye.

Thankfully there is something called a business cash advance

A business cash advance (also called a merchant cash advance or credit card advance) is a business loan alternative that has been proven to be extremely beneficial to restaurant owners. The cash advance is based upon your sales history instead of your credit history. If your restaurant is sustainable and you do a consistent business; then chances are you will qualify for a business cash advance.

Thousands of restaurant owners all over the country have used this type of funding, and 70% of them come back for another. If you invest your money wisely, you will have it paid off with a minimal amount of strain on your business. Once it is paid off, you will reap the benefits of your investment for years to come.

I invite you to learn more about how a BUSINESS CASH ADVANCE can help your business. While you are there you can use the advance calculator to see how much your restaurant qualifies for, or sign up for a free quote.

Author: Christopher Ronk
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital Camera News

When asked how he came to own the restaurant, Joe Gleason simply says, “I was driving by one day… and it was for sale.” The owner of The Ripe Tomato in Malta, NY paints an interesting story of how he launched the quaint upstate New York restaurant after noticing a “For Sale” sign one day while passing through the town. He also reminisces on his almost 55 years in the food industry having started as a mere dishwasher in Manhattan and purchasing his first of 14 restaurants after only a few short years in the food service industry and with no experience in the “front-of-the-house”.

“I started as a dishwasher and hadn’t even so much as bartended prior to the opening night of my own first restaurant, “TJW Gleason’s” in Manhattan,” says Gleason. “I recall that Gin & Tonics were only 75 cents back then and a Whiskey Sour was 85 cents. After a week of trying to keep up with all the varying drink prices, I just decided to make everything $1.00.” Gleason opened that first restaurant & tavern in 1960 and it quickly became the jewel of its Manhattan neighborhood, its popularity proven by its mention in a June 6, 1977 supplement of New York Magazine called ”Columbus Avenue, Rebirth of a Vibrant Street” which included a write-up of TJWs. Gleason’s other successful restaurants over the span of his career have resided in NYC, New Jersey, Florida, St. Croix and right here in beautiful upstate, NY where his remaining restaurant resides: The Ripe Tomato in Malta, NY.

The Ripe Tomato in Malta, now in its 15th year of service was once called the “Elm Tree Tavern” but after experiencing a difficult start, Mr. Gleason was ready to put the restaurant back on the market after only two years of business until his wife, Lynn suggested that they first try to rename the establishment and roll-it out with a new theme, tomatoes! A grand reopening was planned to resurrect the struggling restaurant and on its opening day, the Ripe Tomato stopped traffic on busy Route 9 in Malta when an elephant named “Beulah” graced the parking lot to encourage visitors into its doors. Yes, the couple had cleverly rented a mammoth pachyderm to market the business and had adorned her with a saddle covered in tomatoes. Beulah was a big success and brought not only passing visitors but also a slew of media attention to the newly named restaurant. “Business tripled after that and it’s been a successful business for us ever since” says Gleason.

Today, the Ripe Tomato stands proudly on a strip of Route 9 conveniently located about half way between Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park, NY. Its inviting red glow and big country farmhouse feel continues to beckon visitors inside (even without Beulah pacing the parking lot).

Inside, checkered tablecloths continue the country-feel and smells from the kitchen coupled with unique wall art that incorporates big bright tomatoes into famous works of art (such as the Mona Lisa and American Gothic by Grant Wood), all designed by Lynn; complete the comfortable, warm atmosphere.

Although Gleason’s early restaurants served a limited menu of burgers and pub fare, the Ripe Tomato boasts an extensive menu that is a mixture of American country fare and Italian classics. House Specials on the menu include a Cedar Salmon dish served over a cedar plank for unique flavoring and a Shrimp and Scallop Bisque touted as having been voted the “Best Soup in Saratoga”. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and any patron should be sure to leave enough room for one of their incredible homemade desserts. Homemade pumpkin pie was the temptation on the day that this writer visited the establishment.

Gleason and the restaurant’s managing partner, Mr. Milan Vesic welcome patrons to come in for any occasion from a weekday family dinner to a romantic dinner for two or for any special occasion. They say that their ultimate goal is to leave every customer feeling, “full and happy” and my visit did just that!

Taunia Kipp is an independent Business Author and the Chief Operating Officer for Mountain Media, a privately held corporation located in Saratoga Springs, NY. The company’s proprietary eCommerce management platform, known as “Mountain Commerce” was named to Practical eCommerce magazine’s list of notable shopping cart solutions in late 2007. Additionally, the company offers a full compliment of commercial Web services such as Search Engine Marketing, Graphic Design, Web Hosting and Merchant Services.

Learn more at: www.mountainmedia.com
Visit The Ripe Tomato, Malta, NY

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/restaurant-reviews-articles/unique-character-and-comfort-at-the-ripe-tomato-malta-ny-1402683.html

In order to choose the perfect restaurant in Philadelphia for a special occasion, or just a great meal, look for a restaurant that is known for great service, outstanding food, and an incredible atmosphere. Whether you are entertaining family, friends, or business associates, the best Philadelphia restaurant will impress and entertain guests.

Service is essential in the best Philadelphia restaurants. From the moment you contact an establishment to make a reservation or plan an event; you should be treated graciously and professionally. The positive experience should continue throughout the entire planning and dining experience, including a welcoming and proficient wait staff. If you are scheduling a social or corporate party, planners can guide you through the preparation process. Their experience in the hospitality field needs to make their customers’ arrangement seamless.

Many menu choices in various appealing styles should be on the list of fare options of a fine restaurant. Renowned, experienced chefs can use their talent combining the finest, high quality ingredients for their dishes. The best Philadelphia restaurants have chefs who take chances to turn out cuisine that stands out from the every day.

Atmosphere is imperative in choosing the perfect restaurant in Philadelphia. A restaurant should show the finest that Philadelphia has to offer, with fantastic views and a beautifully appointed and decorated interior. A restaurant should have the choice of indoor and outdoor seating, so that when the weather allows, a day or evening can be spent in the fresh air enjoying the fabulous and scenic city of Philadelphia.

Now a day, there are many award wining Philadelphia restaurants available. These Philadelphia restaurants offer professional service from party planning to servers. The atmospheres of these restaurants are unprecedented with the views of the city and waterfront, and beautifully decorated interior.

Grace Enderlein is a freelance writer and editor.“Choosing the Perfect Restaurant in Philadelphia” notes the importance of service, food, and setting when selecting the best Philadelphia restaurant.The Moshulu Restaurant, at www.moshulu.com, offers award winning food in spectacular environment.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/restaurant-reviews-articles/choosing-the-perfect-restaurant-in-philadelphia-1314194.html